Signalling Operations

Question 1

Finish the sentence…
A Block Section is a _______ _______ of line between the _________ of _____ ______________ _____________ __________/_________ in either a single or multiple line area.
Entrance to the Block Section is governed by _________ _____ which control entry to Block Sections where movements are signalled in both directions.

Answer 1

A Block Section is a single section of line between the limits of two adjoining interlocked stations/junctions in either a single or multiple line area.
Entrance to the Block Section is governed by departure signals which control entry to Block Sections where movements are signalled in both directions.

Question 2

Define the term “Restricted Speed”.

Answer 2

• A speed that allows rail traffic to stop short of an obstruction within half the distance of clear line that is visible ahead.
• Taking into consideration the physical characteristics of the track being traversed and environmental conditions.
• Not to exceed 40kph.

Question 3

What form of authority, and from who, is required to pass:

Departure Signal imperfectly displayed - ‘R light not illuminated’?

Answer 3

Authority: SWA-1
From: Train Control

Question 4

What form of authority, and from who, is required to pass:

Departure Signal at All Red Stop with ‘R’ light illuminated?

Answer 4

The ‘R’ light is your movement authority.

Question 5

What form of authority, and from who, is required to pass:

A failed Departure Signal to recover a disabled train (‘R’ light not working)?

Answer 5

Authority: SWA-2
From: Train Control

Question 6

What form of authority, and from who, is required to pass:

A Departure Signal at ‘All Red Stop’ to run on the opposite line (opposing movement) to recover a disabled train?

Answer 6

Authority: SWA-2
From: Train Control

Question 7

What form of authority, and from who, is required to pass:

An Absolute Intermediate Signal at All Red Stop with the ‘A’ light not illuminated or not fitted?

Answer 7

Authority: Verbal
From: Train Control

Question 8

What form of authority, and from who, is required to pass:

An Absolute Intermediate Signal with the ‘A’ light fitted and illuminated?

Answer 8

Self-authorised

Question 9

What authority, and from who, is required to set back under the following conditions:

When proceeding through the Block Section and completely clear of Station Limits?

Answer 9

Authority: SWA-1
From: Train Control

Question 10

What authority, and from who, is required to set back under the following conditions:

Shunting or repositioning movement which has entered a Block Section and requires to set back into Station Limits?

Answer 10

Movement in accordance with fixed signals.

Question 11

What authority, and from who, is required to set back under the following conditions:

Train divided, location of rear portion has been established and it is necessary to set the front portion back to re-couple the train?

Answer 11

Self-authorised shunting movements under the direction of Train Crew.

Question 12

When more than one movement must set back, Train Control must arrange?

Answer 12

• For the trains to be coupled together for the setting back movements, or
• Individual trains to be set back on separate authorities.

Question 13

When assisting a disabled train, what authority and from who, is required under the following conditions:

To pass a Departure or Absolute Intermediate Signal at stop to recover a disabled train?

Answer 13

Authority: SWA-2
From: Train Control

Question 14

When assisting a disabled train, what authority and from who, is required under the following conditions:

To pass a Departure Signal displaying a ‘Restricted Speed’ aspect to recover a disabled train?

Answer 14

The ‘R’ light aspect is your movement authority.

Question 15

When assisting a disabled train, what authority and from who, is required under the following conditions:

To pass an Absolute Intermediate Signal at Stop with the ‘A’ light illuminated to recover a disabled train?

Answer 15

Self-Authorising

Question 16

When assisting a disabled train, what authority and from who, is required under the following conditions:

To set back in a Block Section when recovering a disabled train?

Answer 16

Authority: SWA-2
From: Train Control

Question 17

Complete the following sentence:

You must repeat the authority details to the _________ _________ and confirm _____ ________ ____ ______.

Answer 17

You must repeat the authority details to the Train Controller and confirm the details are correct.

Question 18

Complete the following sentence:

After passing a signal at STOP, or when travelling on a written authority, you must travel at ____________ ____________, being prepared to find and stop short of an ____________, ____________ ________ or ______________ ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________.

Answer 18

After passing a signal at STOP, or when travelling on a written authority, you must travel at restricted speed, being prepared to find and stop short of an obstruction, displaced rail or defective level crossing warning equipment.

Question 19

Complete the following sentence:

Remain vigilant until you reach the ________ ________, and always be prepared to stop clear of any ____________ even if the next signal displays a ___________ ______________.

Answer 19

Remain vigilant until you reach the next signal, and always be prepared to stop clear of any obstruction even if the next signal displays a proceed indication.

Question 20

Complete the following statement:

All signals must be complied with unless…

Answer 20

…it is unsafe, or in the case of a fixed signal displaying a proceed indication, it is obvious the route has been incorrectly set.

Question 21

Finish this sentence:

The absence of a signal at a place and time where and when a signal is ordinarily shown, or….

Answer 21

• a signal imperfectly exhibited, or
• the exhibition of a white light at a place where a green, yellow, purple or red light should be seen, must be regarded as a stop signal.

Question 22

What do unusual or irregular signals, or the hands waved violently denote?

Answer 22

Danger and the necessity to stop immediately.

Question 23

When signals are obscured, what must the Operator do?

Answer 23

You must remain alert and have your train under such control as to enable you to stop before passing a signal of which the indication is not known.

Question 24

What authorities must be received before a passenger train can depart from a platform?

Answer 24

• Correct movement authority from Train Control or the Signaller.
• Train Manager’s right-of-way (two bells from passenger stops).

Question 25

When passing a Permissive Signal or an Absolute Signal with the ‘A’ light illuminated, you must be prepared to stop a safe distance behind a stationary train in the section. If the train ahead is moving, how may you follow?

Answer 25

At Restricted speed.